Ask any horseman, and they’ll tell you—horses shape character in ways that overflow the feed bucket. The life lessons a child gains from working with horses depend largely on how their horsemanship education is approached. If the goal is simply to win ribbons and chase recognition, the character-building benefits shrink to a mere handful of grain. But if the focus is on learning, responsibility, and long-term growth, you open the door to the entire feed room of opportunity.
Find the Right Program
The best riding programs provide a strong foundation in both riding and horse care. Time in the saddle is essential, but time spent on the ground—grooming, feeding, and understanding equine behavior—is just as valuable. The size of the program matters far less than the quality of instruction. A smaller, boutique-style barn with a dedicated instructor can be just as effective as a large facility, as long as the emphasis is on well-rounded education.
When selecting a program, don’t make convenience or price the deciding factor. Choose an instructor based on their ability to teach not only riding skills but also responsibility, patience, and respect for the horse.
Have the Right Attitude – Don’t, Don’t, Don’t
If a parent approaches riding lessons with the right mindset, the child is more likely to do the same. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Don’t enroll your child in lessons to impress others or keep up with peers.
Don’t sign up just to see if your child “likes” horses. A true interest in horses is usually evident in a child who persistently asks for lessons or is naturally drawn to them.
Don’t live vicariously through your child. If you always wanted to ride but never had the chance, it doesn’t mean your child shares that passion.
Riding isn’t a casual pastime—it’s a commitment. If your goal is simply to provide a well-rounded life experience, opt for a short-term program like a summer camp with horses instead of structured lessons.
Parental Commitment
Financial Commitment
Riding lessons are expensive, and necessary equipment adds to the cost. Just as you wouldn’t send a football player onto the field without a helmet, don’t expect a child to ride without the right gear. Investing in proper riding attire and safety equipment is non-negotiable.
Time Commitment
To build skill and confidence, consistency is key. A child taking one lesson per week is merely getting a taste of riding. A more effective plan includes at least two lessons a week, spaced apart to allow muscle recovery and skill retention. Riders who train twice a week progress three times faster than those who ride only once a week.
Additionally, parents should recognize that learning to ride is difficult. Just as learning an instrument requires practice and perseverance, so does developing riding skills. The more involved and supportive a parent is in understanding the challenges, the more likely a child is to stick with it.
Why Horseback Riding is More than a Sport
One of the biggest character-building advantages of horseback riding is that it’s more than just a sport—it’s an education. Unlike other activities, horsemanship involves learning about and caring for a living, breathing partner. Here are some of the invaluable life skills children develop:
1. Patience & Perseverance
Horses don’t always respond perfectly on the first try. Riders learn to persist, adjust, and try again—an essential life skill that translates to school, work, and relationships. And they learn to have patience with themselves, too, as they try to master a plethora of skills.
2. Empathy & Emotional Awareness
Horses communicate through body language. Learning to read a horse’s emotions and respond accordingly teaches kids emotional intelligence and nonverbal communication skills.
3. Leadership & Confidence
A horse needs a confident, clear leader. Many good lesson horses do not just offer instant cooperation. They require a child to use and develop their communication skills. Kids develop assertiveness and decision-making skills, learning to guide rather than dominate.
4. Accountability & Responsibility
Horses require daily care. And sometimes their care extends past the ordinary. Riders learn that their actions (or inaction) directly impact another life, reinforcing responsibility and dependability.
5. Work Ethic & Discipline
Riding isn’t just about fun; it’s hard work. Mucking stalls, grooming, and training in all kinds of weather instill discipline and resilience. Most kids that will work hard with horses are able to apply those efforts to other parts of their lives. Working with horses often instills the good work ethic that employers value.
6. Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
From adjusting riding techniques to handling unexpected horse behavior, riders develop quick thinking and adaptability. Since riding requires you do more than one thing at a time, riders learn to keep on their toes and think situations through.
7. Humility & Handling Failure
Falling off, making mistakes, and facing setbacks are all part of the journey. Horses don’t care what you wear or how popular you are. They are no respecters of social status. I remember a horse named Colonel MacTavish from when I was young. He liked to buck and for several weeks in a row he planted me in the same mud puddle which was eventually named after me. Horses teach kids that failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone to improvement.
8. Teamwork & Communication
While riding may seem like a solo sport, it requires teamwork. Riders learn to collaborate with their instructor, fellow riders, and—most importantly—their horse. Horse kids naturally gravitate to each other which results in organic team work.
Follow a Plan
A child typically needs at least a year of steady lessons before being ready for horse ownership. During this time, explore additional horse-related activities, such as leasing a horse or participating in barn chores. A half-lease can be an ideal transition before committing to full ownership. Or enroll your child in a summer camp program where he or she is responsible for the care of one horse every day.
When the time does come to buy a horse, trust the advice of a knowledgeable instructor. Buying too soon can lead to frustration, unnecessary challenges, and extra expense. A responsible approach ensures that the experience remains positive for both child and horse.
It’s Worth the Time and Effort
Investing in a solid horsemanship program pays off in ways that extend far beyond the barn. A well-structured program doesn’t just teach riding—it builds character, instilling skills that serve children throughout their lives.
Seek out a program that supports long-term growth rather than short-term success. An instructor who prioritizes horsemanship over show-ring tricks will give your child an education that lasts a lifetime—whether they choose to continue competing or simply enjoy horses as part of their everyday life.
Has horseback riding helped shape the character of a child you have worked with or know? Share your experiences in the comments!
Thanks for reading the Riding Instructor.
Barbara Ellin Fox
TheRidingInstructor.net
A number of my students of my horsemanship program that grew into being working students to help cover the cost of their lessons and make a little money on the side, and even a couple that were not working students, have told me that their time here helped them achieve their goals. Four became vet techs; one is getting ready to be an army nurse; one is in college with a forensics major. A number of parents of younger students have told me how much the program here has helped their child develop confidence; a love for animals; responsibility; and independence. It’s these stories and talks with parents and students that keep me going.
Wow Kathy! Thank you for sharing your success stories. Those are the lasting benefits of a life that has horses in it. Nice work! Barbara